*** Official CASINO ROYALE Discussion Thread

Re: *** Official CASINO ROYALE Discussion Thread

very suprised to see no one else chiming in on this. The midnight show I went to was about 25% full , but the film got some healthy applause at the end.
things that I didn'tmention in the review

*Spoilers Ahead*

- Really liked the opening credits. The song wasn't all that good, but I liked the saul Bass-like animation using the card suite motif- I thought it was a great way of eliciting the spirit of Binders work, while at the same time keeping on point that this film is its own animal, and not just the latest imitation of whats come before.

-I was surprised at how this one was paced. Its almost compeltely front loaded, with all the big action sequences seeming to happen in the first 40 minutes. That was one reason the movie threw me, and one reason I expect I will like it much more upon subsequent viewings (not that I didn't like it this time)

-Eva Greens Vesper- wow! My inital reaction now is that she totally smokes every other Bond girl I've ever seen. They all seem like colorless bimbos now (even though there are a few I've really liked). Very few of them seem like anything other than cartoons compared to this character though. so glad I already own a copy of The Dreamers now

-was amazed how much Craig looked like Steve McQueen often. In fact, I'm more stimulated to go back and watch Bulitt than I am any of the original Bonds. I expected him to be good, but I was suprised at just how much range they actually did give him- and Craig aced it- He sells this character really well (actually completely , imo). The problem that will remain for a lot of people is that this character is not Sean Connery or Pierce, or Timothy or Roger. Craig is playing a character that doesn't owe anything to any of the other actors who did it before him, and for me, that's exciting. For some people that may be a big stumbling block, and just compounded by the iconoclastic pacing of the entire movie.

-looks like we might , for the first time, get some really strong, direct continuity with the sequels. Bring It ON!

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I have my tickets for tonight and I'm really looking forward to it.

Here's one line from today's New York Times review that I can't believe I read:

Re: *** Official CASINO ROYALE Discussion Thread

Two quotes from Anthony Lane's review have me officially excited for this movie:

First:



This gives me assurances about the direction, because Lane's quote seems to indicate that Campbell approached this material differently than GoldenEye.

Second:



Since OHMSS is my favorite Bond movie (and in my top ten alltime) any comparisions to it are welcome (even though Casino Royale will still have to earn that status on repeat viewings).

I'm checking out until after I see it tonight.

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if there was any film in the series CR most felt like to me, it would have been OHMSS. And I haven't seen Goldeneye since it was first released, by my impression is they are pretty far removed in texture and feel, as well as obviously content.

Looking forward to hearing what people think about this one.\
a few more scattered thoughts
-liked the new Leiter. I'm not familiar with Jeffrey Wright, but he came across as a likable ally. I hope he comes back.
-I was worried from early reports there would have been a lot of Paul Greengrass handheld camera work and strobe editing- thankfully neither is the case. There is some handheld camera work, but it's used as punctuation, rather than as the whole sentence (or paragraph).
-There seemed to me a lack of really rousing bits. And that threw me. I expected several points where you want to pump your fist in the air and cheer, but those kinds of moments (for me anyway) happened more with the quiet character stuff, rather than the bombstic action material. Thats why I think this film is going to play very well with subsequent viewings. The character stuff has a real charge to it and seeing people interact is more fun for me that seeing choreographed mayhem ( though this film does get the latter right- a nice return to old school stunt work)
-The scene in the bathroom with Vesper is one of my favorite scenes ever in a Bond movie- probably because it doesn't play like a typical Bond scene.

Fact is, it seems wrong to be lumping this film in with the previous 20. This feels a lot like a 'do-over' and the films from here on out are going to be judged against this one. For some people thats not going to sit well.
I think it needed to be done. Thankfully this is soundly good work, and not just a gimmick tried after they did everything else.

And, unbelievably, its one of the more 'adult' action pictures I can remember in a long time (certainly one of, if not the, most adult Bond films) . I'm very impressed with that aspect.

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I found it rather dull at times, between the big stunts.

The start felt like I was watching District B13 when Bond is chasing the small-time bomb maker/human rabbit.

Did anyone spot Sir Richard Branson cameo?

Warning: Spoiler! (Click to show)

Re: *** Official CASINO ROYALE Review Thread

wow! 96% on rottentomatoes.com

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one of my first thoughts upon leaving the theatewr last night, was that there will probably be a sizable chunk of the audience that will say this one was dull or boring. I liked and was intrigued by the characters and their relationships (with some minor exceptions*) so i was up and along for the ride the whole way. And it just felt like the ride was going off in much different directions than any of the other films so the view of new territory kept me alert as well.
I was pre-disposed to liking Craig too. I don't think people who have had a bad reaction to the guy (I don't know what Patricks feelings were) are going to warm up to the guy suddenly after seeing this. Probably just the opposite, since he clearly isn't playing the part as if he's trying to be 'the next Sean Connery'.




*I thought the contact Mathias wasn't a particularly memorable or impacting supporting character. I felt like there was something missing there

Re: *** Official CASINO ROYALE Discussion Thread

Patrick,

I thought that was him. It threw me out of the film for a moment. Wish he wasn't there actually.

My thoughts on the film as a whole are: all right. I definitely enjoyed it. But I really felt it was too convoluted. Unneccessarily so. There was much that could have been lifted and it would have been a tighter picture.

The character work was excellent and a much different feel from the other Bond flicks. And thus it stands on its own rather than be a replicant of 20 films before it. As was stated, this is an adult action film. But again, for my taste there were too many villians and too much going on. It was as if they wanted the film to go in many different directions and couldn't chose upon which. Could be a producer issue (as is usually the case - too many people pissing in the pot).

I would still recommend it, and unlike many other people - I loved the opening song and the orchestral version that popped up from time to time during the film. I found myself humming it for the rest of the day.

Cheers,

Jason

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Oh, 2 more things: the lack of background music worked against this film because those scene are fairly lackluster and lifeless, and there were far too many of those types of scenes.

I didn't like the opening credits of Bond just showing off his license to kill over and over again, it was like they really tried to be too-PC in terms of not using the female shape in the opening credit sequence from so many of the other 007 films.

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This was actually better than i thought it would be, another 10 minutes of action wouldnt have hurt but overall 1 of the better bond films.

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I must have zoned out for a second, but how did Bond know something was up when Vesper got the text message to meet Mathis? In the book he knew it was a ruse since the handwritten note Vesper got was badly forged.

Loved the movie. This is the first Bond movie I saw after I'd read the book, so the experience was very enjoyable for me.

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I never thought the title sequence was an attempt at being PC- rather, like the rest of the film, just being unique- while still trying to channel the spirit of the occasion- and not just another endless slight variation on the same theme.
I actually liked that the girls were a no show here. I thought the card designs were much classier, (and like the rest of the material), not as juvenile as having a bunch a bimbos prancing around.

Britton, I'm not clear on this, but didn't he already know or suspect at that point that it was Mathis who tipped off Le Chriffe?
I've got the book, but glad I didn't read it first as I was caught unaware by Vesper. I knew she would die, but not the ultimate nature. That really soldifies the character of Bond for me.

He not only has a license to kill, but one to be a complete cad now too

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The action setpieces are spectacular, but what I really loved about this film was how it generated so much tension with the poker game. Really well crafted and edited(thanks, Stuart Baird!), and Craig is the best Bond since Connery. I would say that the tone of the piece is more like OHMSS and FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE, just a taut thriller that doesn't overstay its welcome. I also loved the score and the main titles.

A three and a half to four star flick.

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I just got in from seeing it and I loved it! I wasn't sure after the leaks about a PC Bond if it was going to be good, but I thought they hit the overall tone quite right. I was glad to see the film have a certain amount of quirk, without going over the top. I think it's doing strong box office, hopefully that will continue as the last time being serious was tried in Licence to Kill was a box office dud, and brought back silly over the top Bond.

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Really liked it. Anyone out there saying they're boycotting it because of Daniel Craig, will change their mind before the weekend is out. Would I have preferred Clive Owen? Yeah. Daniel Craig was good though -- although, he had very little dialogue.

Eva Green -- geez, she is nice to look at. Did anyone notice Daniel Craig's "Blue Steel" through a lot of the movie. (Zoolander ref.)

Doug

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I enjoyed it quite a bit, there will be some purist that don't like it, but they are purists from the Movie series, which quite frankly devolved into parody. This is as far from "The Beach Boys" Singing as Bond Ski's down a slope, as you can go. In fact it's alot closer to the Spy envisioned in Ian Fleming's Novels. Daniel Craig makes Bond his own with the Right balance of Charisma and Menace. The Main villian is a bit weak, but faithful to the novel, and the movie Goes on a bit long after it should be winding down, still it all comes down to those Final Five Words... and With them James Bond Returns.

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I actually saw it twice today and I am glad I did. It is one of my favorite Bond movies and much better than I thought it would be.

Hell, even a girl that I went with who does not like Bond movies loved it and wants to see it again.

I felt like I was watching a Connery Bond and I cannot wait for the next one after all the disappointing Brosnan movies.

I went to the 1pm showing and it was 2/3rds full while a seat could not be found during the 7pm show. Both audiences loved every minute of it.

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Wow, I am the exact opposite in almost every regard...The Home theater forum is a tough crowd for sure.

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Other thoughts (just posted my review in that thread):

1. While I loved him in the role, I'm not sure Craig is going to be popular with the female half of the audience.

2. When Vesper said she was going to meet Mathis (after their celebratory dinner) what tipped Bond off that something was amiss?

3. Really didn't like the bombmaker/monkey man who seemed to have unnatural leaping power and dexterity. Seemed more fitting for a Roger Moore Bond that this picture.

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I've probably seen 3/4 of the Bond movies at least once, which is to say that I am not nearly as familiar with the franchise as many. But this also reminded me the most of On Her Majesty's Secret Service.

The action scenes overall were nicely done IMHO, but the Madagascar sequence just smacks of Martin Campbell's other over the top sequence--yep, the tank in Goldeneye. Not in what Bond or the African guy physically does, but the way Bond just brings in the big construction vehicle and goes ahead to tear up a construction site.

I thought the poker scenes were in danger of drowning the movie. I guess it's nice to see how poker gets dumbed down in movies, just like boxing or team sports movies. Remember what Eastwood said in M$B? "Tought ain't enough," but none of these movies know that (that includes M$B).

I'm not sure if Eva Green is a good actress or not, but she sure strides better in lively roles. The actress that appears in this movie and The Dreamers is a totally different person than the one who shows up in Kingdom of Heaven. I am sure that Jeffrey Wright is a good actor, and really hope to see more of him. He would have been a killer Bond villian though...

Also liked how the storyline would continue in the next movie.

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Couldn't agree more...and it really reminded me of the fight between Bond and 006 near the end of Goldeneye...involved a lot of high altitude fighting, chasing, etc., that didn't end up convincing me.

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I liked it, but man that blonde hair bothers me.

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Loved this film.

It's so well made that I actually began to tear up 2/3rds of the way through.

The thing I loved most (besides the utter unfuckwitable craftsmanship of the whole thing) was how subtle the storytelling was. This is an origin/backstory of Bond becoming Bond, and that concept had the potential of coming off too self-referential and gimmicky. But it really didn't. It's only at the end of the film that all the final pieces of the "Bond puzzle" come together in your head. There's a truly cumulative feeling to this characterization.

And this is still a BOND FILM - don't let any reviewer sway you differently. The surface, ambience, and texture is all still there. It's just become extremely soulful again. By the time the Bond theme finally and slowly creeps in the soundtrack.........shivers.

A perfect word to describe the film (especially it's emotionality and action set-pieces) is HARDCORE.

Oh yeah....

Warning: Spoiler! (Click to show)

Yeah, even the sex scenes are great.


This puppy is gonna hold up years down the road - bring on the sequel(s),

From a Craig interview...



Damn straight.

Re: *** Official CASINO ROYALE Discussion Thread

1. I went to the movie with an ex girlfriend and she about had to change her panties during the movie because of how "big, smart, and brutal" Daniel Craig was. Trust me, I was annoyed with her constant little gasps and squirming throughout the movie as she kept commenting on how she did not realize Craig was "that big"...I asked her to not get into specifics and to let me watch the movie without her talking my ear off. She is already planning on taking 2 of her girlfriends to the movie so they can swoon over him...

2. I thought that was the moment where Bond realized that Mathis was playing both sides and told Le Chiffre about his "tell".

You will notice that Le Chiffre struggles to hide it a few times after Bond announced what his tell was.

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I loved it. It's definitely in my top three Bond movies, not sure of the exact position yet, will have to watch it a few times before I decide.

It actually leaves you with a fair bit to think about, which feels like a rather unusual thing to say after the last three Bond films...

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Does anyone know if there is any significance to the number 378? It kept popping up all over the film--the Aston Martin was parked in spot 378, Bond's room was 378, the license plate of the car was 378...

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Coming from a longtime fan who has seen the previous 20 movies too many times, I say this is easily the best Bond movie in 35 to 40 years. The tone of the movie is the best since On Her Majesty's Secret Service, but Craig is a better actor than Lazenby. Point-for-point, it could be the best since From Russia With Love, which is the very best IMO.

The opening credits were very nice, although two things I didn't care for: The 3D models and the song. The rest of the animation and the titles were great.

Great action pieces in the movie, but they did not overwhlem the picture, as they did in so many others, most notably Goldeneye (every scene ends in an explosion!).

Craig has a real screen presence. Not to knock his predecessors (all of whom were good in their own ways) but Craig has the most charisma and air of danger about him than anyone since Connery. If Craig continues to make these pictures and doesn't resort to comedy (as even Connery did), his run in the series will be regarded as the best.

Beware if you hear any reports that the next one will be more lighthearted -- any time that's said of a sequel, it becomes to comedic and the great failing of movie sequels is to have fun with the characters that the audience loves (it's happened in all the Bond pictures, the Star Wars and Star Trek films, the Indiana Jones movies, and so on).

Much better than I could have imagined, Casino Royale is what I have wanted the Bond series to be. (I can't imagine Pierce Brosnan and Quentin Tarantino could have done a better job.)

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That song blows!

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Loved the film, loved Craig even more. As Mike said, I was surprised at the vulnerability the film showed. It played straight, and the film was the better for it. I thought the cast was excellent. The ending touch (though a bit Batman Begins) was a PERFECT ending to the film just seen.

I might drop a review in later, but just wanted to gush. Can't wait to see it again.

My wife, a huge Bond (and Brosnan) fan, was quite taken with Craig. He grows on you.

Great Bond film! Made it worth paying for and sitting through Die Another Day. Mostly.